Building Relationships for Christ

Posted on September 14th, 2023

Our identity transcends that of a conventional Christian church; we are a closely knit community committed to upholding the Great Commission. Our purpose is unequivocal: to disseminate the Gospel by establishing profound relationships centred on Christ. We wholeheartedly comprehend that fostering robust connections within our congregation and beyond is pivotal for effectively fulfilling our divine calling. Within the confines of this blog post, we will explore the immense significance of building relationships for Christ and how it serves to invigorate both our faith and our capacity to disseminate the message of salvation.

The Foundation of Our Faith

To embark on a journey to understand the importance of building relationships for Christ, we must first solidify our grasp of the very bedrock upon which our faith stands. At International Bible Baptist Church UK CIO, we wholeheartedly embrace the Bible as the authoritative Word of God. It serves as our compass, guiding us through life's complexities and providing the unwavering foundation upon which our beliefs are anchored.

Within the sacred pages of the Bible, we uncover not only timeless wisdom and divine guidance but also the essence of our mission—the Great Commission. It was Jesus Himself who entrusted us with this profound mandate, as recorded in Matthew 28:19 (KJV): "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost:" This commandment is the very heartbeat of our existence as a church, our raison d'être.

Fellowship and Growth

Fellowship embodies a central facet of our congregation as we congregate to worship, pray, and learn together. Nevertheless, it transcends mere attendance at services; it revolves around forging profound bonds with fellow believers. In Acts 2:42, we encounter a powerful portrayal: "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (KJV). This verse serves as an indelible reminder of the immense importance of not merely learning collectively but also sharing our lives with one another.

Through the nurturing of relationships within our church community, we cultivate an environment where spiritual maturation can burgeon. We offer mutual encouragement, hold one another accountable, and provide solace during life's trials. It is from these connections that we draw the strength and motivation to persist in our faith expedition.

Reaching Out to the Lost

While it is imperative to nurture connections within our church family, it is equally essential to extend our reach to those who have yet to hear the Gospel. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus issues a directive: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (KJV). Constructing relationships beyond the church precincts emerges as a potent means to achieve this.

Building relationships outside our congregation allows us to genuinely embody Christ's love through our actions and words. Our authenticity and transparency can serve as catalysts, dissolving the barriers that often obstruct open dialogue about faith. Thus, we endeavour to build bridges of love and compassion, following in the footsteps of Jesus, who exemplified this approach in His interactions with tax collectors, sinners, and societal outcasts, as noted in Mark 2:17, "When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of physician but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (KJV).

The Power of Authenticity

To effectively reach out to those who have not yet embraced the Gospel, authenticity plays a pivotal role. People are naturally drawn to those who are genuine and sincere in their actions and words. When we establish relationships with non-believers, we have the opportunity to manifest Christ's love through our authentic selves. Our willingness to be real and transparent can break down walls of scepticism and create openings for meaningful conversations about faith.

Authenticity goes beyond surface-level interactions; it delves into the very core of who we are as believers. It means being open about our own struggles and imperfections, demonstrating that Christianity is not about perfection but about grace and redemption. By embracing authenticity in our relationships, we create an atmosphere where people feel accepted and valued, paving the way for them to encounter the transforming power of Christ.

Building Bridges, Not Barriers

When we contemplate the idea of building relationships for Christ, it's crucial to approach this mission with a heart of empathy and a non-judgmental attitude. Jesus Himself exemplified this approach in His interactions with individuals that society often marginalises. In Mark 2:17, He stated, "...I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (KJV). us follow in His footsteps by constructing bridges of love and compassion instead of erecting barriers of judgement.

Building bridges requires a willingness to listen, understand, and empathise with others. It involves meeting people where they are, acknowledging their unique journeys, and walking alongside them in their quest for spiritual truth. By demonstrating Christ's love through empathy and a non-condemning attitude, we can foster an environment where individuals are more receptive to the message of salvation.

The Role of Acts of Kindness

Acts of kindness serve as a universal language that transcends beliefs, backgrounds, and barriers. In our pursuit of building relationships for Christ, performing acts of kindness can open doors and touch hearts. Whether it's assisting a neighbour in need, volunteering in the community, or simply being a supportive friend, these acts can convey the love of Christ in tangible ways.

Kindness is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of Christ's love in our lives. When we extend kindness to others, we not only meet practical needs but also demonstrate the selflessness and compassion that Christ embodies. Acts of kindness create opportunities for conversations about faith, as people are often curious about what motivates our benevolent actions.

Sharing Our Testimonies

Our personal testimonies are potent instruments for conveying the Gospel message. In Revelation 12:11, it is written, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimoney; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (KJV). Sharing our stories of how Christ has radically transformed our lives can inspire and encourage others to seek Him.

Testimonies provide a relatable and tangible account of the impact of faith in our lives. When we share our experiences of God's grace, redemption, and provision, we offer hope to those who may be facing similar challenges. These personal narratives serve as a bridge between our lives and the message of salvation, inviting others to embark on their own faith journey.

Building Relationships Beyond the Church

While our church community offers a nurturing environment for spiritual growth, we must not limit our relationships to the confines of the church building. Actively seeking opportunities to engage with our local communities, workplaces, and social circles is essential. By immersing ourselves in the lives of those around us, we can shine Christ's light in places where it is needed most.

Building relationships beyond the church allows us to be a visible and influential presence in the world. It means being salt and light in our workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods, and social gatherings. As we invest in these relationships, we have the privilege of being ambassadors for Christ, impacting lives, and bringing the message of hope to those who may have never set foot inside a church.

The Ripple Effect

The impact of building relationships for Christ extends far beyond what meets the eye in the present moment. Every connection we establish, every act of kindness we perform, and every testimony we share has the potential to create a ripple effect. As we reach out to others, they, in turn, may reach out to someone else, perpetuating the cycle of sharing the Gospel.

The ripple effect is a reminder that our efforts to build relationships for Christ are not in vain. Even the smallest gesture of kindness or the most honest conversation about faith can set in motion a chain reaction that leads others to encounter Christ. We may never fully comprehend the far-reaching impact of our actions, but we can trust that God is at work, using our efforts to draw people closer to Him.

Conclusion

In conclusion, at International Bible Baptist Church UK CIO, our zeal lies in fulfilling the Great Commission by building relationships for Christ. These relationships serve as conduits through which the love of Christ flows, touching the hearts of both believers and non-believers. We extend a warm invitation for you to join us in this mission of love, compassion, and unwavering faith.

If you are interested in learning more about our church, becoming part of our community, or discovering how you can actively participate, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We would be absolutely delighted to connect with you and embark on this faith journey together. Let us keep in mind the words of Jesus in John 13:34–35: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (KJV).